One of the biggest events in my industry is the consumer electronics show (CES), a place where tech companies can demonstrate their newest, coolest toys. The big thing at this year's CES was tablets. Now, while I have a hard time seeing a large market for these 10" amped up iTouches (tablets, btw, found little market insertion a decade ago when they were also going to be the "next big thing."), there's a large drive to get these suckers to market (and, in fairness, the technology today is far more conducive for success than that of yesteryear).
Apple, the spoiled princess of the group, rarely shows her nifty gadgetry at CES, instead waiting for the ugly stepchildren to go home before attending the ball... their own ball, January 26th, in which they'll present something that many think will be a game-changer (expect large stock movement either direction next Wednesday).
Steve Jobs, Apple's normally brilliant CEO, will not let pride or an incorrect diagnosis stop him from chomping into the e-reader market with iPod-like tenacity. Amazon's Kindle has enjoyed marked success, but because of its limited functionality and a price-tag that will quickly become obsolete, methinks the Apple assassin will claim yet another victim.
that apple thingy looks snazzy
ReplyDeleteOh yes, the Kindle will be destroyed by our Apple overlords. Be afraid, my Kindle-loving compadres. Be very afraid.
ReplyDeleteMac computers, though better than PC's in my opinion, are too high-priced for most of us. Do you think the Kindle-killer will be more reasonably priced, Bane?
ReplyDeleteShannon, yes and no. There are some pretty significant rumors swirling about that Verizon has already signed on as a partner. The upfront cost will be reduced by this (people are guessing at $500 - $800), but the overall cost (due to data-plan commitments - e.g., 2 years at $60/mo) will be fairly high.
ReplyDeleteIt'll still cost more than a comparably equipped netbook, but the price range falls into the assumed area of pricing for other tablets (tablets that aren't subsidized by data plans).
If the iPad (one of the suggested names) has a Kindle like e-ink screen reader, it would definitely be worth the extra price, IMO (to me it would be a more prudent purchase than a Kindle, which is hamstrung by its singular functionality). If not, then it'll just be a glitzy, high-powered iTouch, and your money would be spent better elsewhere unless you're an Appleite.
Yeah, the Kindle may enjoy pioneering the way, but that's about all. The device's limitations and pricetag WILL be its death, like you said. I think those reasons, more so than other technology will kill it. Portable Walkman/CD Players are case and point.
ReplyDeleteBane,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the taking the time to answer my question so thoroughly. You seem more knowledgeable about this than any other source I've found. I appreciate it - keep us posted.
So I'm an Apple devotee. I don't plan to buy a Kindle simply because the only thing you can do with it is read books. Granted, that's important, but why lug around multiple gadgets when my iPhone does it all?
ReplyDeleteI love all things Apple too. I haven't bought a Kindle yet, because I want to wait until the technology gets better and cheaper. It seems like that will happen pretty soon.
ReplyDeleteLooks very nice...
ReplyDeleteFYI Bane after an email to Stephanie Meyers it looks like our local band Shallow Day will be having at hit. She's spreading the news of the song like wildfire across the web. Pretty exciting to know that I had a hand in it.
Jen, very cool, even if it is Twilight related ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info Bane. I'm glad I haven't jumped on the kindle bandwagon yet...
ReplyDeleteBut I just unwrapped my nook!
ReplyDeleteThe hubby insisted on getting one for me for Xmas, even though I told him the market was far too much in flux to invest in a reader. I think he wants to play with it too.
It will be interesting to see Apple's killer device.
I guess I'm glad I haven't invested in a Kindle yet. It's no surprise Apple will outdo it.
ReplyDeleteIf I wasn't such a lover of Apple products, I might be upset.
ReplyDelete